Pulmonary Function Testing (Spirometry)

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are noninvasive diagnostic tests that provide measurable feedback about the function of the lungs in both adult and pediatric patients. In fact, spirometry is recommended in the Pediatric Asthma Guidelines as standard of care. By assessing lung volumes, capacities, rates of flow, and gas exchange, PFTs provide information that, when evaluated by your doctor, can help diagnosis certain lung disorders.

Spirometry is a test which measures exactly how much the bronchial tubes have narrowed. The spirometer measures the speed your lungs can be filled and emptied of air, giving an indication of how well your lungs are performing. Further spirometry tests later on can help decide whether treatments should be continued, changed, or are no longer needed.

Having a spirometry test is straightforward. It may occasionally be tiring and make you feel a bit puffed, but usually it is not uncomfortable. It is sometimes carried out before and after inhaling a nebulized drug to measure the effect of these drugs.